CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Pediatric Audiologist: Australian Careers in Allied Health

0 Course

On this page

What is a Pediatric Audiologist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Pediatric Audiologist?

A Pediatric Audiologist diagnoses and treats hearing and balance disorders in children, from newborns to teenagers. They help young patients communicate clearly and take part fully in school and social life.

These specialists run a range of tests to check each child’s hearing. Tests include behavioural hearing assessments, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluations. Once they find an issue, they build a care plan. That plan may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory rehabilitation.

Pediatric Audiologists also work closely with families. They explain test results in plain language and guide parents on how to support their child’s hearing development. They often work alongside speech pathologists, teachers, and paediatricians to build a full care plan for each child.

Community work is also part of the role. This includes running hearing screenings in schools and raising awareness about early detection. Keeping up with new technology and research is a key part of staying effective. It is a career that blends clinical skill with genuine human impact.

Icon

Career snapshots For Pediatric Audiologists

Audiologists work across public hospitals, specialist clinics, private practices, and schools in Australia. Around 2,600 audiologists are employed nationally, with very strong future demand forecast (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The median age in the workforce is 37. About 77% of audiologists are women.

The average weekly wage is $1,971, or roughly $102,000 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Around 63% work full-time, with full-time hours averaging 40 per week. Paediatric specialists with advanced certification tend to earn toward the higher end of the pay range.

The role sits in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector. It is classified as a Very High Skill occupation. Audiology Australia accreditation is the key professional credential for practice in Australia (health.gov.au, 2025).

What will I do?

A Pediatric Audiologist is focused on finding and managing hearing and balance issues in children. They use specialist testing tools and a hands-on approach to help each child communicate and thrive.

  • Conduct Hearing Assessments – Use behavioural tests and ABR evaluations to check a child’s hearing.
  • Diagnose Hearing Disorders – Identify the type and degree of hearing or balance issues through a full clinical evaluation.
  • Fit Hearing Devices – Recommend and fit hearing aids or cochlear implants, and help families manage these devices over time.
  • Counsel Families – Explain diagnoses clearly and guide parents through treatment options and communication strategies.
  • Monitor Progress – Track each child’s hearing and communication development to check that treatment is working.
  • Work with Other Specialists – Work with speech pathologists, teachers, and doctors to build a full care plan.
  • Run Newborn Hearing Screenings – Take part in programs that screen newborns for hearing loss shortly after birth.
  • Promote Hearing Health – Raise awareness about the value of early hearing detection in children.

What skills do I need?

A Pediatric Audiologist needs both technical skill and strong people skills. They must have a deep understanding of audiology and how the auditory system works. They must also be skilled with diagnostic tools like ABR and OAE equipment. Experience fitting hearing aids and cochlear implants is central to the role.

Strong communication is just as important as clinical skill. Pediatric Audiologists explain test results to children and families in plain, clear terms. They must be patient and calm, as working with young or anxious patients can be challenging. Working well with other health professionals is also key to building a full care plan.

Skills/attributes

  • Knowledge of audiometry and hearing assessment techniques
  • Proficiency in ABR and OAE diagnostic equipment
  • Ability to conduct and interpret hearing tests for children
  • Understanding of paediatric hearing disorders and their management
  • Clear communication with children, parents, and carers
  • Empathy and patience when working with young patients
  • Problem-solving skills to develop tailored treatment plans
  • Ability to work with speech pathologists, teachers, and paediatricians
  • Attention to detail in diagnosis and clinical documentation
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Knowledge of hearing aid fitting and cochlear implant management
  • Ability to educate families about hearing health and intervention options
  • Counselling skills to support families through diagnosis and treatment
  • Adaptability to work across hospitals, clinics, and community settings

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.